Antidepressants & Preconception medical check-up

Fiancé and I are planning to TTC December 1st. I'm planning on visiting my GP for a preconception check-up in mid October. Is there anything specific I should be asking my doctor or requesting? In addition to this I am currently on antidepressants (fluoxetine, generic of Prozac). I have been on this for 2 years. Can you TTC whilst on antidepressants? Does anyone have any experience with this?

Fiancé and I are planning to TTC December 1st. I'm planning on visiting my GP for a preconception check-up in mid October. Is there anything specific I should be asking my doctor or requesting? In addition to this I am currently on antidepressants (fluoxetine, generic of Prozac). I have been on this for 2 years. Can you TTC whilst on antidepressants? Does anyone have any experience with this?

Hi I was on and still am on antidepressant when I had my first son all I did once I knew was try to gradually lower the dosage, but I stayed on them all the way through, And I had no problems he is a very happy healthy 6 year old, mine are called citalopram, but still speak to your doctor, hope this helps :)

Hi I was on and still am on antidepressant when I had my first son all I did once I knew was try to gradually lower the dosage, but I stayed on them all the way through, And I had no problems he is a very happy healthy 6 year old, mine are called citalopram, but still speak to your doctor, hope this helps :)

There are certain antidepressant medications that should be avoided, but as a group they are generally safe during pregnancy, and fluoxetine is actually the medication that has the most data available during pregnancy, and is therefore the antidepressant "of choice" for many professionals.

You may decide to reduce the dose or *try* to discontinue it, but it is definitely something you and your practitioner should discuss. It is very much to do with the comfort level of all involved.

You also have to consider there is a real risk to babies whose moms go untreated through pregnancy and afterward. You may be less likely to do the things you need to take care of yourself and baby, and postpartum you may have a real difficulty in bonding if you are suffering from depression.

One thing to note is that if antidepressants are taken in late pregnancy, some babies may have withdrawal-like symptoms when they are born. All that usually means is a little extra hospital time before you go home so they can be sure baby is doing well.

Hope this helps put your mind at ease. You always need to come to a mutual decision with your practitioner, but the outlook is very positive for this one! :)

There are certain antidepressant medications that should be avoided, but as a group they are generally safe during pregnancy, and fluoxetine is actually the medication that has the most data available during pregnancy, and is therefore the antidepressant "of choice" for many professionals.

You may decide to reduce the dose or *try* to discontinue it, but it is definitely something you and your practitioner should discuss. It is very much to do with the comfort level of all involved.

You also have to consider there is a real risk to babies whose moms go untreated through pregnancy and afterward. You may be less likely to do the things you need to take care of yourself and baby, and postpartum you may have a real difficulty in bonding if you are suffering from depression.

One thing to note is that if antidepressants are taken in late pregnancy, some babies may have withdrawal-like symptoms when they are born. All that usually means is a little extra hospital time before you go home so they can be sure baby is doing well.

Hope this helps put your mind at ease. You always need to come to a mutual decision with your practitioner, but the outlook is very positive for this one! :)

Yes I agree I was having awful panic attack up to 6-7 a day before I was put on them and I the stress of them would b worse on the baby than staying on them and I wouldn't eat either before I went on them I've made up for it since lol, and u need to be functioning and looking after your self before and when baby comes its important to not just come off them it needs to b monitor by your doctor, but you should b fine :)

Yes I agree I was having awful panic attack up to 6-7 a day before I was put on them and I the stress of them would b worse on the baby than staying on them and I wouldn't eat either before I went on them I've made up for it since lol, and u need to be functioning and looking after your self before and when baby comes its important to not just come off them it needs to b monitor by your doctor, but you should b fine :)

My son was born with severe withdrawals and had to put in an induced coma. We didn't know if he was ever going to wake up. He was rushed to a children's hospital and stayed for three weeks. We still don't know if there are any lasting effects. I would never take them again during pregnancy. I am off them right now because I am ttc. I will start again after I give birth.

My son was born with severe withdrawals and had to put in an induced coma. We didn't know if he was ever going to wake up. He was rushed to a children's hospital and stayed for three weeks. We still don't know if there are any lasting effects. I would never take them again during pregnancy. I am off them right now because I am ttc. I will start again after I give birth.

When we decided to start trying I got off everything cold turkey. I was on Adderall and Prozac. This will be our 4th baby. I don't usually take any medicine while I'm pregnant only Tylenol when my headache last more than a few days. I went off of Mirena 26 July, so hopefully we get preggers soon.

When we decided to start trying I got off everything cold turkey. I was on Adderall and Prozac. This will be our 4th baby. I don't usually take any medicine while I'm pregnant only Tylenol when my headache last more than a few days. I went off of Mirena 26 July, so hopefully we get preggers soon.

It really depends on which medication you are on theres no way I could of functioned with out my medication, there are ones that are safe and ones that are not the ones I take are fine and my son was fine everything was normal .

It really depends on which medication you are on theres no way I could of functioned with out my medication, there are ones that are safe and ones that are not the ones I take are fine and my son was fine everything was normal .

Thanks:) I suppose part of me worries that my doctor may just say I should wait another year to TTC, but I've been waiting for many many years! Then the other part of me worries that if my depression and anxiety is bad enough that I have had to be medicated that maybe I'm not going to be a 'fit parent':(

Thanks:) I suppose part of me worries that my doctor may just say I should wait another year to TTC, but I've been waiting for many many years! Then the other part of me worries that if my depression and anxiety is bad enough that I have had to be medicated that maybe I'm not going to be a 'fit parent':(

It is hard but if you have a good support system you will be fine. I could never take a chance again because of what happened with my son. At the time I was told my medication was safe too. I have been off my meds for 18 months ttc. I am in rough shape, but better me than my child. I will say that I am not suicidal and never have been. It is a very personal decision but make sure it is an informed one. Please discuss thoroughly with your doctor. I would hate for you to make a decision just because everyone says its ok. In my case, even the drs were wrong. Get a second opinion as well. Many babies will be fine, but some will not. I'm so sorry, but I have to be honest and share my story. I am not a medical professional. Just someone who has been through it. Never make any choices without medical advice!!!!! Good luck with whatever you choose!

It is hard but if you have a good support system you will be fine. I could never take a chance again because of what happened with my son. At the time I was told my medication was safe too. I have been off my meds for 18 months ttc. I am in rough shape, but better me than my child. I will say that I am not suicidal and never have been. It is a very personal decision but make sure it is an informed one. Please discuss thoroughly with your doctor. I would hate for you to make a decision just because everyone says its ok. In my case, even the drs were wrong. Get a second opinion as well. Many babies will be fine, but some will not. I'm so sorry, but I have to be honest and share my story. I am not a medical professional. Just someone who has been through it. Never make any choices without medical advice!!!!! Good luck with whatever you choose!

That must of been so scary for u and I really hope you son is ok, some doctors offer alternative theraphy there's one called cognetic behaviour theraphy I've never done this but I have heard good things about it, it could be something to ask your doctor when you see him GL

That must of been so scary for u and I really hope you son is ok, some doctors offer alternative theraphy there's one called cognetic behaviour theraphy I've never done this but I have heard good things about it, it could be something to ask your doctor when you see him GL

Thanks for your concern! All is well so far. He is slightly behind for his age, but nothing to worry about yet. He is starting speech therapy next week! Potty training next. He just turned three. We have a long way to go still but he has come so far. I'm so proud of him! And yes cognitive behavior therapy is what keeps me sane right now! Lol it's been a loooooong 18 months. Can't wait to get my pills back after baby! I have went through periods where the panic is so bad I haven't left the house in weeks, other than to see my drs. : ( gl and fx for everyone dealing with this and ttc!

Thanks for your concern! All is well so far. He is slightly behind for his age, but nothing to worry about yet. He is starting speech therapy next week! Potty training next. He just turned three. We have a long way to go still but he has come so far. I'm so proud of him! And yes cognitive behavior therapy is what keeps me sane right now! Lol it's been a loooooong 18 months. Can't wait to get my pills back after baby! I have went through periods where the panic is so bad I haven't left the house in weeks, other than to see my drs. : ( gl and fx for everyone dealing with this and ttc!

I think it's very brave to come off them deal with the affects ESP when trying for or being pg, the though terrifies me I don't no if I could do it, I really wish ya the best for u and ya son, maybe I was just lucky but I did manage to go to just 10mg every other day and that kept me ticking over while I was pg maybe that was why idk, GL enjoy your LO :)

I think it's very brave to come off them deal with the affects ESP when trying for or being pg, the though terrifies me I don't no if I could do it, I really wish ya the best for u and ya son, maybe I was just lucky but I did manage to go to just 10mg every other day and that kept me ticking over while I was pg maybe that was why idk, GL enjoy your LO :)

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